MNRE Issues Draft Guidelines For Series Approval Of Solar Storage Batteries In India

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has issued draft guidelines for the series approval of storage batteries, including lead-acid, lithium-ion, and nickel-based types. These guidelines aim to help testing laboratories and manufacturers prepare product families for performance testing, which is mandatory for registration with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under the Solar Systems, Devices, and Component Goods Order 2025. A product family is defined by shared design, construction, and essential components that ensure compliance with applicable standards.

Testing under these guidelines must follow the national standard IS 16270:2023, which specifies general requirements and test methods for secondary cells and batteries used in solar photovoltaic applications. The guidelines outline material and construction requirements specific to each battery type. Lead-acid batteries should use containers made of hard rubber or polypropylene with suitable components. Nickel-based batteries require containers made from high-strength, alkali-resistant materials. Lithium-ion batteries must use appropriate cell casing materials, and the battery pack enclosures should be flame-retardant and impact-resistant. Manufacturers are required to provide detailed information about container materials, separator types, sealing methods, and overall dimensions. They must also recommend charging procedures and define operational temperature and humidity limits to ensure accurate performance testing.

The guidelines provide specific sampling procedures for stationary and portable batteries. For lead-acid, Nickel-Cadmium, Nickel-Metal Hydride, and Lithium-ion batteries, samples must be selected from the production batch according to IS 16270:2023. These samples should have the same nominal voltage, rated capacity, electrolyte composition, and dimensions as defined in the respective standards. All batteries must be clearly marked with details such as the manufacturer, capacity, year of manufacture, and country of origin.

Testing involves a sequence of type tests, including physical verification, capacity testing, endurance testing, charge retention, and cyclic endurance for PV applications. Lead-acid batteries may also undergo specific tests for sulphation and water loss. To approve a product series, a representative model, usually the highest-rated capacity sample, is subjected to all type tests, including long-term endurance tests. Short-term tests, like capacity tests, are conducted on all ratings in the series. Any failure requires resubmission of that specific rating. Manufacturers must provide a written undertaking confirming that all models in the series are produced without changes to critical internal components, such as grid alloy, electrode ingredients, or manufacturing quality systems.

The guidelines stress the importance of safety and operational instructions. Batteries involve risks of fire, explosion, chemical hazards, and electrical shocks, so strict handling and installation practices are necessary. Manufacturers must provide instructions for safe handling, protective equipment, and installation guidelines, including upper DC voltage limits for domestic and non-domestic use. Batteries should be installed in safe locations and inspected regularly for damage. Instruction brochures must include information on electrical characteristics, charging conditions, size, weight, terminal types, operating life, and storage periods. Manufacturers are also responsible for specifying safe disposal and recycling procedures for scrapped batteries.